Danish short-sea ferry operator Molslinjen is to introduce two Danfoss-equipped 100% electric ferries on its routes to the islands of Als and Samsø.
Danfoss power converters will feature on both vessels, powering battery power conversion on board, and the vessel charging systems onshore. In addition, Danfoss drives will deliver precision control to the electric propulsion motors. The relationship between Molslinjen and Danfoss is well established after previous electric ferry deliveries, where Danfoss contributed with system design, commissioning, and maintenance to ensure successful and sustainable operation with long lifetime.
Claus Larsen, Country Manager, Danfoss Drives Sales Denmark said: “We feel very honoured to be selected once again by Molslinjen, especially because of the importance of the project. We look forward to commissioning in the New Year and to follow the project in the future.”
This order represents the next generation and size of passenger vessels which are 100% electric-powered, running on batteries. Each of the new vessels has a total length of 116.8m, with capacity for 600 passengers and 188 cars. The vessels are prepared for autonomous sailing between ports, with automatic docking and charging at quay. The vessels are designed for rapid charging to ensure fast turnaround in port, so the ferries can sail according to tight timetables. Passengers and crew will experience significantly less noise on board, by comparison with conventional vessels. These vessels also contribute significantly to sustainable ro-pax transport of the future, in terms of optimal weight, safety and total cost. As well as reducing emissions at sea, the clean technology on board helps the ports to meet targets for clean air onshore.
Carsten Jensen, MD Molslinjen said: ”We have set ambitious goals for fossil-free ferries: we will reach zero CO2 emission on our western routes by 2028. We will reduce CO2 emission by 70% by 2030. And we will achieve CO2-neutrality in 2050.”
